Trying to choose between Edina and Minnetonka? Both are beloved Twin Cities suburbs with strong amenities, but the day-to-day feel is different. You want the right fit for your routine, commute, and weekend plans. In this guide, you’ll compare lifestyle, outdoor access, dining and retail, housing types, and easy decision frameworks, plus a few weekend itineraries to try before you decide. Let’s dive in.
Quick feel of each city
Edina lifestyle snapshot
- Inner-ring suburb just southwest of Minneapolis with several walkable village centers like 50th & France and the Southdale/Galleria area.
- Mix of mature single-family streets, renovated mid-century homes, and condo or townhome pockets near shopping and dining.
- Strong access to Minneapolis job centers and cultural spots with multiple routes into the city.
Minnetonka lifestyle snapshot
- West-suburban setting with a strong connection to Lake Minnetonka and a range of neighborhood types, from suburban streets to estate lots.
- Major retail at Ridgedale Center, plus quick drives to lakeside dining and recreation in nearby communities.
- Quieter residential feel overall, with more opportunities for larger lots and lake access.
Commute and transit
If you commute to downtown Minneapolis or the western job corridor, your drive time will vary by neighborhood and route. Edina generally offers shorter trips into Minneapolis thanks to closer proximity and multiple arterials. Minnetonka often adds time if you are heading downtown, but it can be convenient for west-suburban job centers along I-394 and I-494.
Neither city sits on a light rail line. Both rely on bus service and peak-hour express routes. You can review routes and park-and-ride options on the Metro Transit site. For current road projects and traffic updates, check MnDOT. The most reliable approach is to test drive or transit times from specific addresses during your actual commute hours.
Parks and outdoor life
Edina parks and trails
Edina’s outdoor life centers on parks, trails, and village-center strolls. Minnehaha Creek winds through parts of the city, and Centennial Lakes Park offers maintained paths, seasonal activities, and green space. You can explore facilities and trail maps through the City of Edina.
Minnetonka lake and shoreline
Minnetonka’s identity is tied to water. You’ll find access to the Lake Minnetonka corridor, shoreline parks, and nearby waterfront dining. Neighborhood parks, multi-use trails, and golf courses add variety for daily recreation. Start with the City of Minnetonka for park and trail details.
Regional trail connections
Both cities link into county and regional systems that make biking and weekend rides easy. The Hennepin County parks and trails network connects you to larger greenways and destinations throughout the metro.
Dining, retail, and errands
Edina village centers
If you love walking to coffee, dinner, and boutique shopping, Edina’s village pockets deliver. 50th & France features independent shops and eateries, while the Southdale/Galleria area offers a wide range of retail and dining. Everyday errands are typically close by, and many options are within a short drive or quick walk depending on your neighborhood.
Minnetonka retail and lakeside access
Minnetonka is more car-oriented for daily errands but offers strong retail anchors like Ridgedale Center. The draw of Lake Minnetonka adds seasonal energy and plenty of waterfront activity nearby. You can pair Saturday errands with a lakeside park or a short drive to neighboring lakeshore dining.
Homes and price bands
You’ll see different housing mixes in each city. Edina features many mid-20th-century homes, a healthy mix of remodels and new infill in established neighborhoods, and condo or townhome options near village centers. Minnetonka is more single-family focused, ranging from ranch and split-level homes to newer subdivisions and lakefront estates, with some condo options sprinkled in.
For move-up buyers, think in terms of three broad bands rather than exact figures:
- Entry move-up: larger condos or townhomes and smaller single-family homes.
- Mid move-up: 3 to 4-bedroom homes in established neighborhoods with yard space.
- Premium: new construction in prime Edina pockets or lakefront and estate properties in Minnetonka.
Lot size, lake access, and proximity to walkable centers all influence value. If you want current numbers, we’ll pull live data from the MLS and tailor it to the neighborhoods you like.
How to choose
Priorities checklist
Rank your must-haves, then match your list to the city that fits best.
- Walkability to coffee, dining, shopping: Edina often favored
- Shortest commute to central Minneapolis: Edina often favored
- Lake access and boating: Minnetonka often favored
- Larger lot and private outdoor space: Minnetonka often favored
- Village feel with boutique shopping: Edina often favored
- Estate or luxury lakefront living: Minnetonka often favored
Buyer personas
- Urban-adjacent entertainer: You want walkable dining and an easy city hop. Try Edina near 50th & France or the Galleria area.
- Lake-life household: You want dock days, water sports, and space to host outdoors. Prioritize Minnetonka with lake access.
- Social downsizer: You want a lower-maintenance home near amenities. Edina’s condo and townhome pockets shine.
- Value-focused move-up: You want more home and yard for the dollar. Compare non-lake Minnetonka areas and Edina’s non-prime pockets.
Trade-offs at a glance
- If you choose Edina, you gain closer access to Minneapolis and more walkable nodes. You may give up lot size and easy lake access in many neighborhoods.
- If you choose Minnetonka, you gain larger lots and a stronger connection to lake life. You may give up some walkable village convenience and add time to a downtown commute.
Sample weekends to try
Edina day
- Morning: Coffee and a pastry around 50th & France, then wander local shops.
- Late morning: Bike or run along the Minnehaha Creek corridor or a nearby trail.
- Afternoon: Lunch near the Galleria or Southdale, then relax at Centennial Lakes Park.
- Evening: Dinner at a local restaurant, with a quick drive into Minneapolis for a show if you like.
Minnetonka day
- Morning: Lakeside walk or a quick boat outing, then grab coffee with a view.
- Late morning: Stop by Ridgedale Center for errands or shopping.
- Afternoon: Paddleboard, kayak, or bike a suburban trail, then unwind at a shoreline park.
- Evening: Grill at home or head to a nearby lakeside restaurant.
Try both in one weekend
Spend Saturday morning exploring Edina’s village vibe, then head west for an afternoon at a Minnetonka lakeside park. You’ll feel the contrast in a single day.
Next steps
Make your decision with real-world checks:
- Test commutes during your actual drive times and review express bus options with Metro Transit; check road projects on MnDOT.
- Walk target neighborhoods on weeknights and weekends to gauge activity and convenience.
- Review park and trail access with the City of Edina and City of Minnetonka, plus the Hennepin County trail network.
- Explore school information and boundaries through Edina Public Schools and Minnetonka Public Schools.
- Compare property tax details using Hennepin County resources.
When you are ready to tour homes and match neighborhoods to your lifestyle, connect with Elizabeth McKevitt Perez. We’ll bring concierge guidance, polished presentation, and neighborhood insight to every step.
FAQs
How do commutes differ between Edina and Minnetonka?
- Edina typically offers shorter drives to downtown Minneapolis, while Minnetonka can be more convenient for west-suburban job hubs; verify actual times from specific addresses during your commute hours.
What outdoor options define each city’s lifestyle?
- Edina leans toward parks, trails, and walkable village centers, while Minnetonka emphasizes lake access, shoreline parks, and larger-yard living.
Where will I find the most walkable dining and shopping?
- Edina’s 50th & France and Southdale/Galleria areas provide concentrated, walkable options; Minnetonka is more car-oriented with major retail at Ridgedale Center.
How do housing types compare in Edina and Minnetonka?
- Edina mixes renovated mid-century homes, infill new builds, and condo or townhome pockets; Minnetonka is more single-family focused, with options from ranches to lakefront estates.
How should I research schools without relying on third-party ratings?
- Review boundaries and official information directly from Edina Public Schools and Minnetonka Public Schools, then tour schools and speak with administrators to understand programs and fit.
What affects price differences between the two cities?
- Lot size, lake access, proximity to Minneapolis, walkable village convenience, and the supply of condos or townhomes versus single-family homes all influence pricing.
